Mid-Range Cordless Impact Wrench

Tire Changes Made Easy: The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches for the Job

No matter what kind of automotive, carpentry, engineering or construction industry you work in, I’m sure you’ve encountered numerous situations where you’ve tried over and over to get that one bolt loosened. We often find nuts and bolts at very awkward angles and fitting a wrench in there is just impossible and when you do it only turns a short way. After a bunch of bumps, bruises and a cut on the knuckles, you find yourself frustrated and tired out.

That’s why there are impact wrenches here to save you that time, effort, and a headache! The impact wrench applies the right amount of torque to both get them tightened so they won’t fall off and it’ll get them off in seconds which is perfect for professional environments when speed is essential for profit and customer service.

tire change with a impact wrench

Our team reviews both the high-end and the low-end products on the market to understand quite a few different aspects and angles to their performance.

We personally test the products to determine the following things:

  • How durable is it and will it last long?
  • What are the basic performance numbers (Torque, RPMs, Volts, Amps, etc.)?
  • Can it stand up to the real-world work that needs to be done?
  • What makes it stand out compared to the rest?
  • Are there any drawbacks to that model?

Top 10 Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Changing Tires

OUR TOP PICK

Milwaukee 2763-22 M18 1/2' Inch Impact Wrench
  • Multiple torque settings ranging from 100 to 700 RPMs.
  • Built-in LED light for those dark and dimly lit areas.
  • Heavy amount of impacts per minute with a maximum speed of 2300 IPMs.
  • The wireless model that comes with swappable batteries great for on the go.

This Milwaukee drill is incredibly powerful to have around any automotive garage. It’s one of the best cordless impact wrenches on the market with an 18V red lithium battery that will last you most of the day. Simply swap it out with the secondary battery if it gets low so you can keep going all day long.

You’ll find the torque on this drill is enough to quickly knock off a tire from a car in seconds with rotations per minute ranging from 100-700 RPMs. It will also ensure it’s done with ease with a high level of impacts per minute speeds at a maximum of 2300 IMPs.

No matter how many tires you have to take off, you’ll find this Milwaukee impact driver is a perfect choice both in terms of performance, battery life, and speed. 

Pros

  • Heavy-duty build and design
  • Long lasting 18V battery
  • Strong RPM of 700 and IPM of 2300

Cons

  • Really the only downfall of this power tool is the price tag
  • Heavy drill weighing 15 lbs

EDITORS CHOICE

Makita XWT041X 3.0Ah 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2' Square Drive Impact Wrench Kit
  • Up to 325 ft lbs. of max torque
  • High RPMs of up to 2200 RPMs
  • Compact design with rocker switch for forward/reverse operation
  • A great alternative for road-side assistance of tire changing

You’ll be happy to know this Makita impact wrench comes with all of the benefits of the top of the line impact wrenches on the market but at about half the price. Makita has always been known to have high-quality strong power tools and this one doesn’t disappoint!

With it’s 18V lithium-ion battery, you’ll enjoy using this cordless impact driver to make quick work of lug nuts on tires, especially when you’re attending to someone with a flat tire on the road. Having a cordless impact driver is 100% essential for roadside assistance and even in the garage itself so you don’t have to worry about being plugged in all day.

Highly powerful with up to 325 ft-lbs of torque and ranging from 1600-2200 impacts per minute give you strong performance. It’s also designed for comfort and flexibility with its ergonomic design and built-in LED light for those dimly lit work areas underneath the car.

Pros

  • High powered impact driver with up to 325 ft lbs of torque
  • Between 1600-2200 impacts per minute for optimum performance
  • Long-lasting 18V lithium-ion battery

Cons

  • Quite heavy for long-term use

BEST VALUE

Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 Cordless Impact Wrench Kit with W7150 1/2' Impact Wrench, 2 20v Li-ion Batteries, IQV20 Charger and Carry Case, High Torque, Lightweight
  • Highly powerful impact driver
  • Lightweight but very strong/durable design
  • 20V lithium-ion battery provides plenty of power

The W7150-K2 is a great cordless impact wrench and one of the strongest powerhouse impact wrenches that you can get. In tests comparing this cordless drill we found it stands up in terms of power and work completed as of that of an air-powered impact wrench. Although the brand may not be as well known as that of DeWalt or Milwaukee, it stands out in terms of build and strength!

Ranging from a max torque of 780-1,100 lbs/ft in both forward and reverse as well as having an aluminum lined steel casing for strength, stability, and protection of the internal parts. The handle has a molded rubber covering to provide you with grip and comfort, especially for extended use. Comes with 2 battery packs with a quick charging base so it can provide you with maximum use over the course of the day no matter where the work takes you.

Pros

  • Powerful max 1100 ft lbs of torque
  • Weighing only 6.8 lbs
  • All metal drive and hammer mechanism which is extremely durable
  • Compact design at just 9.5 inches from end to end

Cons

  • The battery provides strong power for cordless, but may not last all day. A spare is provided

RUNNER UP

DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench Kit, High Torque, Detent Pin Anvil, 1/2-Inch (DCF889M2)
  • Easy to use variable speed trigger
  • 400 ft-lbs of max torque
  • Two rechargeable batteries
  • 2300 impacts per minute

DeWalt produces some really strong products that will stand up to any of the competition out there, and this one is a perfect choice as an automotive impact wrench. This impact wrench is designed with high speed going up to 1500 rotations per minute which pounding 2300 impacts per minute which is some serious performance!

Pumping out 400 ft-lbs of max torque, which isn’t as high as some of the others in the same price range, you can expect to get much more consistent performance from this powerful tool. The battery is one of the best selling points about this cordless impact wrench as it’s been upgraded to have an extended life with their fuel gauge that provides 33% more capacity over standard lithium-ion batteries.

Pros

  • High speed and impacts coming in at 1500 rotations per minute with up to 2300 max impacts per minute
  • Lightweight at 6.8 lbs with an easy to hold handle grip
  • 20-volt lithium ion battery with enhanced 1.3x life extension

Cons

  • Lacks the power to handle heavy-duty industrial nuts and bolts but is great for basic automotive use
  • A bit on the pricey side at almost $300

RUNNER UP

Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL High Torque 1/2' Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
  • Strong motor with a 1,400 ft-lbs of max torque
  • Cordless impact wrench
  • Compact design with an ergonomic handle
  • Between750-1800 rotations per minute

Milwaukee has done it again by creating an extremely high-powered impact driver that’ll help your automotive shop get those stubborn lug nuts off a car in seconds! With one of the highest IPM’s at 2400 impacts per minute, it can take off even the most stubborn of nuts and bolts that you’ve been waiting forever to get off. From 750 to 1400 ft lbs of max torque, it also has plenty of power behind it to ensure it finishes the job.

You’ll find there are 2 battery packs included so you won’t run out of power using this cordless drill whether you’re just working in the shop or you have to travel to help someone change a flat tire. This drill is the perfect one for mechanics that have to be on the go.

Pros

  • One of the highest torque for a cordless drill at 1400 ft lbs.
  • Perfect for loosening nuts and bolts on a tire.
  • Great speed and high impacts of up to 2400 impacts per minute for those hard to budge lug nuts
  • Made by Milwaukee so it’s built to last

Cons

  • Not strong enough to replace air-powered drills

RUNNER UP

Craftsman C3 ½” Heavy Duty Impact Wrench Kit Powered By 4ah XCP Cordless Tools High Torque
  • Strong rotations up to 3,000 RPMs
  • 300 ft-lbs of max torque
  • 3 bright LED lights on the head
  • 8” length from end to end.

While craftsman isn’t known for heavy-duty power tools, you’ll be happily surprised that for a more “budget” price you’re getting a really strong and durable product. This ½ inch square drive impact wrench is perfect for both personal and professional environments with both 3000 IMP and RPMs with 300 ft-lbs of max torque you’ll be able to take off any lug nuts with ease. For the amount of power, we’re also happily surprised that it’s such a small and compact little guy so it’s easy to toss into a tool belt or tool bag and take around with you.

Using this Craftsman tool, you’ll quickly understand its capabilities as an impact wrench. It quickly spins off even the hardest lug nuts on a car quickly and easily saving you hours of working on different automotive vehicles, lawnmowers, trailers and everything else that needs work done on it.

Pros

  • Really high rotations and impacts with a max of 3000 RPMs and 3000 IPMs
  • Strong torque for tough jobs at 300 ft lbs
  • Compact size with heavy-duty strength
  • Fast charge time of 1.5 hours

Cons

  • Can’t stand up to axel nuts or industrial size jobs.

RUNNER UP

Cordless Impact Wrench, 450 ft.-lb.
  • Strong motor with 475 ft-lbs of max torque
  • Superior performance and rotations
  • ½ inch anvil with friction ring
  • Battery gauge built-in so it doesn’t die halfway through a job

This is one of Milwaukee’s most popular cordless impact wrenches as it has so many great functions! With the ½ inch anvil with friction ring, it makes changing the socket into a painless process and also one that can be done with just one hand. You also have a real-time battery gauge which is a very useful feature so you can see how much of the charge is remaining so you know when you’re getting close to the end and have to swap out the batteries so you can plan your time better.

You’ll also love the power that backs this impact wrench up with a high torque of 475 ft lbs that is capable of removing large bolts from cars, trucks, trailers, and more! With the variable speed trigger and built-in overload protection, you can be sure you’ll have an impact wrench that’s built to last for years and knock out even the toughest jobs!

Pros

  • Compact size and easy to carry
  • 475 ft-lbs of max torque
  • Up to 2,200 Impacts per minute along with 1,900 rotations per minute
  • Long lasting red lithium 18V battery packs

Cons

  • No LED light available

RUNNER UP

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench with Detent Pin, 1/2-Inch, Tool Only (DCF889B)
  • 20-volt lithium ion battery
  • The ½ inch drive size
  • 1500 rotations per minute/ 2300 impacts per minute
  • Weighing 5.8 lbs with a 3-year warranty

DeWalt impact wrenches are great to have when working on car’s whether it’s a simple job or a heavy-duty one that requires a long-lasting driver. Mechanics are always looking for the next best thing and this 20-volt battery operated impact wrench is the perfect one to add to your shop with fast speeds up to 1500 rotations per minute.

It’s very lightweight with an ergonomically designed padded handle making it easy to carry around in your tool belt or by hand between jobs. It’s also important to have a comfortable handle as this will help protect the health of your wrist and joints, especially on those difficult nuts and bolts.  As with most impact wrenches, this one comes equipped with a variable speed trigger which is essential to ensure you don’t strip whatever you’re removing or putting on. It also helps you to reduce the use of the battery as you don’t always need the full 20-volts.

Pros

  • Strong max torque of 300 ft-lbs
  • Fast speeds and impacts at 1500 RPMs and 2300 IPMs
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Long-lasting battery

Cons

  • High price with batteries – Sold separately on Amazon.com

RUNNER UP

PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill Combo Kit, 2-Tool (PCCK602L2)
  • 120 ft-lbs of max torque
  • 2800 rotations per minute
  • 3100 impacts per minute
  • Compact tool at 6.9 inches long and only 3.3 lbs

For those looking for a nice home DIY cordless impact driver, this Porter Cable driver is a great choice for you. Comes with a low price tag with still some great features! If you have to get a normal lug nut off your car or work on some cabinetry work this will get the job done.

It’s very lightweight and small making it easy to carry and fits great in hard to reach areas. With the 120 ft-lbs of torque, you’re getting up to 2,900 rotations per minute which is spinning very fast along with 3,100 impacts per minute which is necessary when removing very stubborn nuts and bolts. While the battery life is a bit less than desirable, for the price tag you’ll be able to get through easy jobs without it running out.

Pros

  • Comes with a built-in LED light
  • Compact and lightweight design.
  • 120 ft lbs of torque
  • Comes with 2-speed controls with a total of 22 clutch settings

Cons

  • Not designed for heavy-duty work
  • The battery needs recharging often

RUNNER UP

Ryobi One+ P236 18V 1/4 Inch 3,200 RPM 1,600 Inch Pounds Lithium Ion Cordless Impact Driver (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only)
  • 18-volt lithium battery
  • Built-in LED light
  • Bit holder on the bas
  • Magnetic tray

The Ryobi P236 is a great impact driver for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who are looking for a simple driver that will knock out most home tasks. Getting on and off lug nuts from your car or riding lawn mower will be simple with this driver. While it won’t stand up to the more expensive competitors in terms of industrial and hardcore rusted nuts and bolts, for the price you’re paying this is a steal!

With the 18-volt battery that’s compatible with other Ryobi One+ tools, you don’t have to be always connected to the wall. Use up to 3,200 rotations per minute and 3,400 impacts per minute to get nuts and bolts out which is extremely high considering the low price tag. It also has a built-in LED light that illuminates when you pull the trigger which is a varying speed trigger so you only use as much effort as needed per job.

Pros

  • Very affordable price
  • Variable speed trigger
  • Lightweight at 2.7 lbs
  • 18-volt lithium ion battery

Cons

  • Not meant for heavy-duty work
  • The light stays on only when the trigger is used

Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Changing Tires Buying Guide

What is an impact wrench?

An impact wrench is used to help tighten or loosen nuts and bolts in any substrate and reduces both the time and effort required by the user to do this manually. There are quite a few different types of impact wrenches on the market these days and they all work quite similarly with the biggest differences in the amount of torque, the quality of the design, and the type of power source it has.

There are 3 different types of impact wrenches including electric corded, cordless, and air wrench. Each of these 3 has great benefits and downfalls.

The first impact wrench was an air powered one which is primarily used by professionals and race mechanics as it allows for the fastest work to be done. Air powered impact wrenches are very powerful and fast but they require a high amount of pressure to operate so you need a fairly large air tank. It also requires quite a bit of maintenance as they have a lot of parts.

There is also the corded electric impact wrench which is quite powerful and fast as well as they have a constant power supply. The electric impact is a bit less costly and easier to maintain as it doesn’t require an air compressor tank, but it is attached to a cord making it less mobile.

The third choice is the cordless impact wrench which is one of the newer and most popular current choices as it is very mobile but yet still quite powerful. These use batteries to power the impact wrench and typically is more expensive than the rest but is the easiest to get around in any workspace even if it doesn’t have power.

Cordless Impact Wrench for Changing Tires

If you work in a shop or a roadside service and you need to help a customer get their tires on and off fast, often a cordless impact wrench is one of the best investments you can make. It’s portable and quick to take with you especially for off-site tire changes that are needed when tires blow.

Here are a few things to keep in mind that make a cordless impact wrench one of the best choices:

  • Portability: One of the most important pieces is that it’s portable. You can quickly take it to each tire to remove or place the lug nuts on the tire.
  • Power: Impact wrenches aren’t generally considered to be that powerful, but it’s the torque that’s the most important part. You definitely need a strong enough battery to last long enough to get through the jobs but as long as the battery is enough then the torque is the important part.
  • Strength: The amount of torque will determine how powerful the cordless wrench. The torque refers to the force that the wrench is using and typically if the torque is high then the rotations per minute will also be high.
  • Weight: You’ll want to understand how heavy the impact wrench is because if you’re planning to take it from site to site, you’ll want a fairly light enough impact wrench that you can still carry it around all day. Typically, a cordless impact driver is going to be a bit heavier because the battery is quite heavy, but since it’s not connected to a cord you can simply pick it up each time you need it.

How to choose Cordless Impact Wrench for Changing Tires?

Impact wrenches can be powered in all different ways including some that plug into your car charger, but the most convenient and easy one to have is a cordless impact driver. Impact drivers have an impact mechanism that helps to loosen the nuts and bolts as it turns making your job much easier and saves you a lot of time.

Here are a few things to remember when choosing an impact wrench especially for changing tires:

  • Noise: There are many different impact wrenches but some of them are extremely noisy. Make sure to test them out to determine if they are too loud that they may damage your hearing.
  • Weight: While most impact wrenches you’ll be able to handle easily, there are some that get to be above 10lbs. If your impact wrench is more than 10lbs it will become difficult to carry around all day in a tool belt and your wrist may become sore or damaged if you don’t take proper care of it. If you’re working in a professional environment where you need to be on the go for changing tires this may be more important to you.
  • Power: When it comes to power, it all depends on the job being done how much is really necessary. If you’re working in carpentry, typically you won’t need as much power as someone working on cars. Making sure lug nuts on a car are tightly fastened is extremely important so the tires don’t pop off while you’re on the road. This is why typically an impact wrench is used to get on and off lug nuts on a car as the need for a tight hold is extremely important. That’s why more power for changing tires is your best friend.
  • Safety: There are a few different things to keep in mind safety wise when selecting an impact driver. Firstly, make sure the handle feels good and is ergonomically made to avoid injury. Also, think about getting an impact driver that has a built-in LED light as this will give you plenty of vision when doing jobs especially in the dark roadside when changing tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cordless impact wrench has the most torque?

The cordless Milwaukee 2767-20 has one of the highest max torques out of all the impact drivers on our list. With a max torque of 1,400 ft lbs, this is an extremely strong impact driver and can be used both for automotive use and also for industrial jobs as it will take down even the hardest attached/rusted nuts and bolts you can find.

What is the most powerful cordless impact wrench?

The Milwaukee 2767-20 as well as the most powerful cordless impact wrench. Not only does it pack that strong 1,400 ft-lbs of max torque which is enough on its own but it also has up to 1,800 rotations per minute and striking 2,400 impacts per minute. This drill is one that will stand by your side for years and years to come and will allow you to tackle heavy duty jobs with a breeze.

What is the best cordless impact wrench for automotive (auto repair)?

One of the best cordless impact drills for automotive repair is the Milwaukee 2663-20. You’ll get 476 ft-lbs of torque, hassle-free socket changes, overload protection, compact size and weight, and the battery gauge so you don’t have to worry about it running out of steam halfway through a job.

How much torque do you need for wheels?

On a typical car, your impact driver doesn’t need to have an overbearing amount of torque. On average you’ll want to have at least 100 ft lbs when you tighten a lug nut. The same amount would then be needed to remove it unless for any reason it got weathered or rusted but if you strive for at least a minimum of 100 ft lbs you should be safe.

Can cordless impact wrench remove lug nuts?

Most cordless impact wrenches are perfect for removing lug nuts on a car or truck as long as it has at least 100 ft lbs of torque. Even the most stubborn lug nuts are usually easy to remove with an impact wrench as it is designed with not only the rotation aspect of a drill but also the fast impact action which helps to loosen it. While some cordless impact wrenches are not ideal for industrial use like a semi-truck, it should work for most basic automotive use.

How tight should lug nuts be torqued?

The torque specs on each vehicle and tires can be different for each vehicle. It’s always best for you to check the car manual to understand how much torque should be applied when you fasten the lug nuts on your tires. Most cars run on about 80-100 ft-lbs of torque on a dry stud and it’s suggested that after the first 100-200 miles to re-torque the lug nuts just to be safe (if you’re able to).

Can you over tighten lug nuts by hand?

While you typically won’t have enough strength to over-tighten lug nuts, it is possible to over tighten them by hand especially if you’re using your whole-body weight. This can cause damage so it’s suggested if you have to tighten them by hand do it to a reasonable tightness and within a few miles be sure to stop into an automotive shop just to get them quickly tightened at the proper torque.

What happens if you don't Torque wheels?

There are a few things that happen. Too tight and the nuts can damage the bolt threats, break the fasteners or warp new rotors and too loose your wheel could fall out while your driving which would cause a major accident.

Can loose lug nuts cause vibration?

If your lug nuts are not all properly attached the same onto your axle it could become unstable and cause vibrations at higher speeds. It may also cause long-term wheel issues but most commonly these vibrations aren’t from the log nuts but rather the ball joints.

Can loose lug nuts cause damage?

Yes, a loose lug nut can cause major damage if the tire is wobbling it can cause the bolts to break, the rotors to warp, and the entire tire can fall off in the middle of driving.

What is the difference between an impact driver and a cordless impact wrench?

The biggest difference is that impact wrenches are bigger, bulkier, and weight a lot more. Impact wrenches typically have a lot more power than an impact driver as well. You can typically expect an impact wrench to have a ½ inch square drive and an impact driver would have a ¼ inch hex drive and is used for driving screws instead.

What can a cordless impact wrench be used for?

Most commonly an impact wrench is used for loosening and tightening lug nuts on cars, trucks and other automobiles including riding lawn mowers, 4-wheelers, etc. They can also be used in other areas like carpentry and industrial situations depending on the need.  

Can you use a drill as a cordless impact wrench?

While you can use a drill as an impact wrench as they do appear in style to be quite similar and you’ll always find them right next to each other in the store, there are major differences which hold them apart. They both go in forward and reverse direction but the impact wrench gives more of a quick rotary burst with heavy impacts which are important when you have to tighten nuts and bolts very strong. You typically want to use a drill for most home building projects whereas an impact wrench would be used for more industrial/automotive heavy-duty uses.

What size cordless impact wrench do I need?

Typically, you should try to get an impact wrench with about 100-300 ft-lbs of torque because any higher than that and you’ll be all ready gearing up to industrial use situations.

Is a hammer drill the same as a cordless impact wrench?

No, a hammer drill is used for drilling holes into tough surfaces like masonry, brick, and concrete and while they both function in similar ways they are different. An impact driver’s main use is for driving a fastener in like a nut/bolt/screw.

Wrap Up

In general, if you are someone who works on vehicles often and you need to take on and off car tires on a daily basis, an impact driver is a huge time saver. The extra $200 you’ll spend on it will be worth it to turn an hour-long manual job into a 10-minute quick fix.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *